Abu dhabi: Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, engaged in discussions with senior officials from the public and private sectors in the Republic of Panama to explore avenues for boosting trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The meetings, part of the 'UAE Trade Days', aimed to strengthen economic partnerships in support of sustainable development and global supply chain resilience.
According to Emirates News Agency, the discussions involved prominent Panamanian figures, including Javier Martinez-Acha, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Carlos Guevara Mann, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation; Eida Gabriela S¡iz, Vice Minister of Economy; Jorge Herrera, President of the National Assembly; Jos© Ramon Icaza, Minister of Panama Canal Affairs; Omar Torres, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry; and Ashok Nandwani, Acting President of the Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture. The focus was on leveraging the strategic positions of both countries in global trade to facilitate increased trade and investment flows, particularly in strategic sectors.
The visit also included a business roundtable that convened investors and business leaders from the UAE and Panama. This gathering aimed to explore market opportunities and discuss ways to bolster private-sector partnerships, support investment flows, and promote economic growth. Dr. Al Zeyoudi participated in a panel discussion on "Economic Development and Promoting Global Connectivity and Integration" during the Global Leaders Forum, which coincided with the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Panama Amphictyonic Congress.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the importance of investing in critical infrastructure like ports, airports, transport networks, and logistics services. Aligning regulatory frameworks, harmonizing standards, and streamlining customs procedures were identified as essential steps to enhance global economic integration and facilitate trade efficiency. He also highlighted the benefits of diversifying production bases and connecting digital and technological systems to improve access to international markets.
The UAE delegation, which included representatives from various sectors such as technology, renewable energy, agriculture, and financial services, toured key sites like the Panama Canal and the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area. These visits aimed to identify opportunities for cooperation between Emirati businesses and Panamanian enterprises.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi noted that both the UAE and Panama are strategic trade gateways for the global economy, committed to supporting a rules-based trading system and enhancing the security of global supply chains. The meetings underscored the shared commitment to elevating trade and investment relations, creating new avenues for private-sector cooperation, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The visit is part of the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, which seeks to expand global economic and trade partnerships. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Panama reached US$186 million in 2025, marking a 49.7 percent increase from 2024, indicative of the strengthening bilateral economic ties. Since its inception in September 2021, the CEPA programme has broadened the UAE's network of trading partners, supporting its goals of enhancing non-oil foreign trade and achieving sustainable development.
